Seedy Sunday is the perfect place to get inspired for Spring. Come out to get all the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to get growing this season. There will be an incredible diversity of vegetables, flowers, and herbs available for sale, as well as a plethora of community groups showcasing the great work they do, informative hands-on workshops and the ever popular Seed Exchange Area where you can trade seed with other gardeners & learn more about seed saving.

ECHO empowers small-scale farmers to increase their harvests, and the nutritional diversity of their crops. We educate, equip and share sustainable solutions to hunger!

I went to visit my mom for the holidays. Luckily for me (especially considering back home in Canada now amid a three day frigid cold snap!), she lives in Fort Myers Florida. It was nice and warm there. I got to visit farmers' markets, sit in the sun, expose my pale pale skin, shop for cheap designer shoes & hang with my mom & brother. I have done this for many years.

This year, I discovered that there was a very cool farm located quite close to where my mom stays. Echo Farm is a pretty amazing place. We toured through test sites for crops that mimic climate zones all over the world, particularly places that are struggling with famine and starvation. "For over 30 years, ECHO has been helping thousands around the world to better access vital information and other resources needed to improve food production and security for small farmers and gardeners"

lush greenery & companion planting demos.

test growing many global crops such as amaranth

giant hot pepper plant! this is what happens when you don't have annual frosts

didn't get the chance to learn too many details about this water system. will have to go back to learn more

lush greens growing in a shady tropical environment

i enjoyed the entire tour, but was extra excited by & interested by the urban farm garden area. so many interesting concepts & successfully growing plants.

some cool ideas in the urban garden demonstration area

loads of veggies growing in tires, cinder blocks, eaves & more

greens in eaves

urban growing test site

There were so many beautiful crops growing and blooming (in Decemeber!), they were saving seeds, and helping farmers grow more food. my kinda place :)

asparagus winged pea

Check out their site, donate if you can, I will be back next year to volunteer some time.